Areas within the Thar geologically have a layer of multani mitti (bentonite) locally known as meth, under the ground, which helps make rainwater available above this layer in the form of percolated water or rejwaani paani through various water structures such as beris, khadins, talaabs and nadis. Bentonite, a type of clay, swells when it comes into contact with water, becoming an impermeable barrier. The water accessible through this is called rejwaani paani, or percolated water. To tap this water traditionally, communities dug shallow lined and unlined wells (beris or namadas).
Over the past two decades we have been working on restoration, revival and supporting the making of new lined beris in Jaisalmer district. We have worked on 50+ beris directly and supported and inspired couple of hundred more beris across the district.
Additionally we work on restoring and strengthening the supporting infrastructure in terms of the recharge sources and water catchments. The wells range from individual structures, to communal water sources. Our work also included building chowkhis to reduce shaft siltation and constructing khelis for animal to drink water from in certain areas. These beris allowed access to sweet drinking water both for livestock and humans. Most of these wells, even after 2 decades, are still used and maintained by the community. In Jaisalmer, we worked on dry stone masonry wells.
Across the district of Jaisalmer we have worked on wells in villages like Hema, Netsi, Jiyadesar Talaab, Ekalpar and Dablapar, Mayathi.